Did you ever try to run away from home as a kid? I didn’t. But as an adult, sometimes I’ve wanted to run away from life. That’s how Hagar felt when she ran away—both times….
Grab your favorite brew and visit a few minutes with Encouragement from Living History. That sums up my blog: thoughts grounded in the Bible, sprinkled with interesting tidbits from history, all applied to life today. Readers say, “I learn something new every time I read your blog.” Here’s an open invitation to sit a few minutes now and come back often to share your thoughts.
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When David Talked to Himself and God at the Same Time
Last week, life was a mess. New health issues threatened me, a client discriminated against me, more friends buried loved ones, and I was like, “Really? Again? Still?” So God in His goodness nudged me toward Psalm 62….
When David Talked to Himself and God at the Same TimeRead More
They Came So Close
If you were outdoors at the right time this past week (June 17–27), you could see five planets align in sky about an hour before dawn. In ancient times, such an alignment portended a massive upheaval, like a change of government or religion. This planetary performance peaked on June 24, with the moon additionally pairing with Uranus (visible halfway between Venus and Mars). Draw whatever conclusion you want regarding the significance of that date in light of current events….
God is 55 Miles Closer than You Know
A church misconception is that if you’re “godly,” your faith won’t falter. I beg to differ….
Who Comforts God When He Cries?
A four-year-old came to his mom, tears coursing down his face. “I have too many sads in my eyes!” he cried. (What description could be more perfect?) In reply, his mom hugged him tight and loved on him, making the sads all better….
What God Does With Your Ugly
In my read-straight-through-the Bible effort, I’m almost through the book of Judges. It is UGLY. “And the Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord”—on repeat. I asked God if I could skip Judges. Seriously. Of course, I knew the answer before I asked. Every word of the Bible is there for a reason….
Fortresses, Fears, Refuges, and Rocks
What’s the strongest fortress you can think of? Alcatraz? Masada? The Great Wall of China? All have been breached. Very few fortresses have never been breached or taken. Hochosterwitz (pictured on this page) has fourteen lines of defense and has never been taken, yet its claim to fame is not well known….
How to Prepare for Change—God’s Way
How do you handle a promise God directs specifically to you?…
7 Myths about Forgiveness—and its Power when Put into Action
Last weekend I saw the movie Sabina, which chronicles the early years of Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand’s marriage. They hadn’t been Christians very long when they started to risk their lives to spread the Gospel and help Jews escape Romania during WWII….
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Balaam’s Cautionary Tale for Governments and Us
Do you have Sunday school memories of Balaam’s talking donkey? From that charming perspective, Balaam seems to be the ass, while the donkey wisely recognizes God’s angel standing in the road. But the full story is more interesting—and totally relevant to today’s current events….
